FEEL AT HOME by Elle Brownlee

Fiction, Contemporary M/M Romance, Level 4 heat

4****

Blurb: Solitary photojournalist Philip Conyers is out of money and out of time. One year after pausing his work chasing stories across the globe to buy and fix up his dream house, a series of events has him flat broke, creatively clogged, and out of options. Philip must sell—and then is stuck as months pass without any offers. Enter tech millionaire Zak Springer. He needs space and quiet away from New York City to think up the next big idea, and Philip’s upstate place is the perfect retreat. He wants to rent it for six months, price is no object, and oh yeah, Philip is welcome to stay. What can Philip do but agree? Living with easygoing Zak proves interesting for Philip, a dedicated loner. Despite their different circumstances, Zak understands him in a way no one ever has, and the attraction that simmers between them is undeniable. With their days together numbered, Philip decides it’s safe to indulge in a fling—until he realizes he never wants this life in his dream house with his dream man to end. Can Philip open his heart as well as his home, or is he doomed to lose them both?

Thoughts: I enjoyed this story even thought I thought it was a little slow at times. But the characters and the setting imagery were worth the time, as was their relationship. Philip and Zak don’t seem like they’d go together. Philip is a shy, quiet photojournalist who stays in the background while Zak is an ex-football star turned tech millionaire who doesn’t mind the limelight. But somehow, they work. There are several very hot love scenes that show how well they work together. But it is their work on the house together that shows how much they actually care for each other.

I will say this about some of the imagery – the part of the story during the storm and flood – very real and the emotions done well, but this might be a slight trigger for some readers in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Just be forewarned.

I’m glad things worked out for them in the end, though I had hoped that Philip’s earnings on several projects would have made him feel better about himself. But, there is a happily-ever-after ending that satisfies and that makes everything better.

Recommended.

BRIDGING LIVES by

Fiction, Contemporary Romance, M/M Gay

5*****

Blurb: Cliff Anderson hopes to build on the legacy of his late parents, but that dream seems lost when his California homestead is lost to a wildfire. Devastated, he travels to Oregon to stay with his aunt and uncle on their dairy operation while he makes plans for his future. College professor Brandon Forest has always yearned for a family and a home of his own. Maybe that’s why, despite being busy with his job and his side gig as a fantasy author, he’s stayed on as a seasonal worker at the dairy farm. The farm feels so welcoming, and working on their dairy farm might be the next step in building the life he’s dreamed of. Then he meets Cliff. As Cliff and Brandon confront their own broken pasts, they build a connection that runs deep. Laughter and shared experiences prove to be strong medicine for the wounds life has inflicted on them. Cliff hasn’t let go of his past or the hopes he had for the farm in California. Will his future burn down as he holds on to lost hopes, or can he blaze a new path with Brandon?

Thoughts: This author really knows how to pull out all the stops when it comes to emotions. They had me from page one as Cliff is trying to save plants from his family farm as wildfires sweep in and he barely escapes. With nowhere else to go and no other family, he heads to his relatives in Oregon. He helps his aunt and uncle on their dairy farm while he tries to figure out what to do next. While there, he meets Brandon, a part-time college professor, writer, and friend of the family. Their attraction is instant, but their relationship takes a while to build, though it does.

The situations with wild fires, family farm struggles, and more are realistic. The author does an impressive job with imagery and the use of all the senses (Cliff’s clothes smelling of smoke, the devastation on the farm). The characters are believable and the romance builds slowly – even though there are several very hot scenes. This is the first book I’ve read by this author, but it will definitely not be the last.

Recommended.

Disclaimer: All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not solicited or influenced by anyone or anything. Thanks to Dreamspinner Press for providing this copy.

MISTLETOE, MUTTS, AND MURDER by S.A. Kazlo

Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Holiday

4****

Blurb: Christmas is coming and children’s book author, Samantha Davies, and her lovable dachshund, Porkchop, are caught up in the holiday festivities in beautiful upstate New York. Sam’s parents, Chuck and Barbara, who have been enjoying their retired life in sunny Florida, have flown into Wings Falls to spend the holidays with Sam and meet her new boyfriend, Detective Hank Johnson. Sam is also busy hosting this year’s Christmas party for the Loopy Ladies, Sam’s rug hooking group. The Loopy Ladies know how to party and are enjoying an evening eating, drinking, and making merry… until Santa crashes the party. Unfortunately, this Santa is Sam’s next-door neighbor who her parents have had a long-running feud with. When not playing the local mall’s not-so-jolly old St. Nick, Leo Sayers is a newspaper reporter, and he announces to the group that he’s written a damning article accusing Sam’s dad and his close friend, Herb Feinstein, of some very shady dealings in their past. To preserve peace on earth—and among the Loopy Ladies—Chuck and Herb escort Leo from the party. Only, not long after being sent on his way, Santa is found dead—lying in the snow, run over by a plastic reindeer, with a string of Christmas lights around his neck! Are Sam’s father and Herb now on the naughty list? If Sam can’t prove them innocent of murdering Santa, she’s afraid their stockings will contain handcuffs and a one-way ticket to prison this year!

Thoughts: I love the “Loopy Ladies” – especially when they refer to themselves as “Hookers”!! Oh, come on. They do rug hooking. But they’re a group of friends who are getting together for their annual holiday party at Sam’s home. And Sam’s parents are up from Florida to join in the festivities. Everything is jolly until their nasty neighbor shows up drunk and accuses Sam’s father and his best friend of corruption in the past. They “escort” him out of the house, but unfortunately a few hours later, he’s found dead in his front yard and Sam’s dad is the main suspect.

I loved the characters and that Sam is no spring chicken (she’s over 50). And has a slightly younger boyfriend. The descriptions of her parents are a hoot. In fact, description and imagery are really strong so you definitely get a sense of place and time. Actually, that was just a tiny bit of an issue for me as some of the descriptions in the beginning were a little slow moving. And the dogs are a cute addition. I will say this, though… I read a lot of these stories and knew who the body was going to be, but not the perp or the reason until the end, so nicely done there!

Recommended.

I GRADUATED. NOW WHAT? by Amanda McLaughlin

Nonfiction, Self-help, How-To

5*****

Blurb: Learn essential life skills, set goals, and ace adulting after graduation. Becoming a grown-up is no easy feat. Many new grads find themselves How do I find a place to live? How do I land a job interview? How do credit cards work? Whether this is you, or you know someone at this exciting but challenging stage of their life, worry help is on the way! This book gives you the basics to face the “real world” head-on. But adulting isn’t just about DIY repairs and budgeting like a pro (though you’ll find that in here too!). It’s about figuring out what success looks like to you. Setting goals and sticking to them. Finding joy and purpose in independence. Filled with fun prompts, exercises, and checklists,I Now What? goes beyond other “life skills” books to provide the tools young people need not just to survive, but to thrive at adulting. Easy-to-read and organized by topics like Home How-Tos, Money, Work & Career, Relationships, Set Goals, and Structure Your Time. Packed with useful tips and bite-sized hacks at the end of every sectionThe ideal graduation The guide you wish you had when you entered the real world—perfect for any student about to graduate, just graduated, or even a few years out of high school or college. Practical meets inspirational in this essential guide to building your best life in adulthood.

Thoughts: I wish I had had this book years ago–when I graduated, and then when my kids did. But I know for certain, this is going to go to my grandkids. I’ll probably buy multiple copies so each one has one.

The book is full of good advice and information on what to do once you’ve graduated. I loved the checklists like finding a roommate (if necessary), renting a place, buying groceries, budgeting, and more. It also helps you set long- and short-term goals. And what you need to do to reach them. There is so much information in this book that you can’t go wrong with picking up a copy of it. With this in hand, you’ll have a decent roadmap for your future.

Definitely recommended.

Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book from Zeitgeist (Penguin Random House) with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

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STEAL MY HEART by Andrew Grey

Fiction, Contemporary Gay Romance

4****

Blurb: Hilliard Bauman’s life and his law practice are in Ohio, so when he inherits a home in California, his first instinct is to sell. Then again, his law partner is also his ex-partner, so maybe starting over wouldn’t be so bad. Either way, he needs someone to fix up the house first. That’s where Brian Mayer comes in. Brian Mayer will do whatever work he can get, whether that means dog walking or painting fences. But in a small town where everyone knows everything about everyone, finding jobs can be difficult—especially if you’ve been wrongly convicted of theft. When Hilliard hires him to fix up his great-aunt’s place, it’s a relief on Brian’s strained bank account… but tests Brian’s heart to its limits. As Hilliard digs into Brian’s case and the botched investigation of the original crime, things really start heating up—both between him and Brian and in what should’ve been a cold case. This time when cops try to lay the blame at Brian’s feet, he has Hilliard in his corner. Can they solve the mystery, put Brian’s past to rest, and find a new beginning together?

Thoughts: I enjoyed this story. The characters are realistic and there’s a bit of a mystery involved, along with the romance (and some heat!). Hill is an Ohio lawyer who inherited his great-aunt’s home in California. After going through a bad breakup, he moves there, but the house is in need of some work. He hires a neighbor—Brian—who does good work, but has a past—mistakenly convicted of a crime he didn’t commit. The two bond as Hill attempts to find out who really committed the crime. He’s also fighting with an uncle who believes the house should have come to him.

I liked both Hill and Brian. They’re both strong characters who have issues that they work on. The romance is perfect between the two of them and there’s a HEA that satisfies.

Recommended.

LINCOLN by Alisa Jean

Fiction, Sport (Hockey) Romance, Level 4 Heat

4****

Blurb: L.A. Quakes’ fans stomped their feet to cheers of “Caveman!” when I made incredible saves in the crease, leading the team to two Stanley Cup victories. I thought I could go on forever, but at thirty-six, the clock’s counting down even for Lincoln Cavanaugh. Social media and fan sites are filled with rumors of me being traded. Or worse. My future looks as uncertain as a loose puck on the ice. My fate rests in the hands of Catherine Bishop, daughter of the team’s owner and a power to be reckoned with. And what fine hands they are, along with everything else about her. A chance encounter leads to sparks between us, but is falling in love with this incredible woman worth the risk? Because with her by my side, I’m once again an unstoppable force between the pipes, and victories pile up like never before. However, our love is a ticking time bomb because Catherine has dreams of making history as the first female and person of color to own an NHL team. Sleeping with a player would make that all go up in smoke. I fear when the truth comes out, it will be the final buzzer for us.

Thoughts: I can honestly say I’ve never read a romance like this before. Not knowing anything at all about hockey, I was afraid I wouldn’t “get” it, but that wasn’t true. Yes, there is a lot of hockey jargon, but you don’t need to know the game to understand what’s going on. It’s the romance between Lincoln and Catherine that is the main focus of the story. And that is amazing. There is emotion, betrayal, forgiveness, love, and hot sex that make this romance worthwhile. Oh, and a HEA that satisfies.

I loved the characters of Linc and Catherine. They were very well done and the world building gave me enough information about the game without knocking me over the head with details. Plus, you get to read about all the background that fans don’t see — like what the owners have to take into consideration for their teams, and team camaraderie whether on or off the ice.

All in all, this was a different type of romance for me to read, but an enjoyable one with a satisfying ending. Recommended.

Blurb: Once a royal Breton knight, Sir Cardin is now infamously known as Basati, the Basque Wolf. Savage and sullen, he drowns his guilt in raucous taverns, accruing enormous debt and acquiring vengeful enemies. Ulla, widowed daughter of a Viking chieftain, is a skilled archer who lives as a recluse in a secluded woodland cottage. Rendered mute by trauma, she avoids humans, preferring the company of her wild wolf and falcon as she hunts in the Forest of Brocéliande. When his mother’s dying wish calls Basati home, he finally meets the son he abandoned at birth and Ulla, the enigmatic priestess who is teaching the boy to hunt. As the holidays approach, Basati finds himself smitten with the beguiling beauty as he bonds with his once forsaken child. But past enemies plot against him, and Basati is ensnared in darkness. Can music lure the savage wolf into the light of love?

Buy Links:  Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/Celtic-Yuletide-Carol-Jennifer-Walker/dp/1509257446

Barnes and Noble:  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-celtic-yuletide-carol-jennifer-ivy-walker/1146173524?ean=2940185698761

Enthralled with legends of medieval knights and ladies, dark fairy tales, and fantasies about Druids, wizards and magic, Jennifer Ivy Walker always dreamed of becoming a writer. She fell in love with French in junior high school, continuing her study of the language throughout college, eventually becoming a high school teacher and college professor of French.

Her newest release, “A Celtic Yuletide Carol”, is a steamy medieval romance between a broken, battered royal knight and a solitary, mute healer and huntress who prefers the company of her wolf and falcon to humans. Both protagonists are shattered souls who slowly find solace in each other.

Readers who enjoyed Winter Solstice in the Crystal Castle and The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven trilogy—a fated mates paranormal fantasy adaptation of the medieval legend of Tristan and Isolde, interwoven with Arthurian myth, Avalon, Elves, Druids, forest fairies, Vikings, and dark magic—will recognize several of the main characters in this new novel as well.

Explore her realm of Medieval French Fantasy. She hopes her novels will enchant you.

Website:  https://jenniferivywalker.com/

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/213034332-a-celtic-yuletide-carol

 Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jennifer-ivy-walker

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OLD-FASHIONED HOLIDAY HOMICIDE by Gin Jones

Fiction, Cozy Mystery

5*****

Blurb: Jess Walker is spending Christmas with her sisters for the first time in years, but it’s a working holiday at the Three Sisters B&B in the heart of Kentucky’s bourbon country. Jess, Em, and CJ are expecting a guest who has long dreamed of running her own B&B, so she’ll be playing hostess while her extended family will join her as additional guests. Except the sisters end up doing most of the hard work, and things keep going awry. Jess would swear the holiday is jinxed. And things go from difficult to downright dangerous, when CJ delivers her bourbon cranberry sauce to the local gift shop…and finds the owner dead! The sheriff immediately jumps to the wrong conclusions, and the sisters are determined to get justice for CJ’s best wholesale customer. Suspects are scarce though, and the B&B’s guests are spooked by the murder and threatening to cancel their booking. Can the sisters solve the murder while still giving their guests an Old-Fashioned Holiday?

Thoughts: I enjoyed this mystery – though I will admit, I knew who the perp was pretty early. But that didn’t reduce my enjoyment. After all, I wanted to see the reasons behind the murder.

In this story, an older woman who owns a tea shop/tourist gift shop and rents out office space in her building is killed. But who would kill such a nice woman? She was everyone’s friend. Right?

Jess Walker, a lawyer who rents one of the offices in the building, and who has moved back to her hometown after twenty years to help her sisters run a B&B, goes on the hunt with her sisters and their various boyfriends. After all, they can’t count on the incompetent sheriff to do it right, so it’s up to them. I liked Jess and Em and Cy. They’re realistic. And have squabbles like real sisters and lots of love. They’re tasked with providing a “Hallmark” kind of holiday experience for their guests. Gerrie wants to learn what it’s like to run a B&B – and she gets her money’s worth with the sisters. But there are a lot of things the travel agent didn’t tell them about – like tours of businesses that are closed, and special meals (to be ordered from caterers and delivered) and decorating when there are no decorations. It’s all a bit chaotic, especially when they’re also trying to solve a murder. There are lots of unexpected slip ups in both the holiday arrangements and in the murder investigation. Enough to keep everyone on their toes trying to solve all the problems.

Recommended. And I know I’ll be reading more by this author.

Computer geeks write code… and sometimes they bake them in gingerbread.

BLURB:  Clay Blackstone, avowed bachelor, is an ambitious computer design engineer at a prestigious firm. When an accident puts his dad on crutches, he returns home to help with his family’s Christmas tree farm, never expecting to find romantic entanglement with an alluring woman he remembers as a tomboy in braids. As a single mother launching a bakery business, Shelby Turner has experience with measuring cups and watercolor paints, but not handsome, intriguing men—especially one who is her secret schoolgirl crush. Between her sweet treats, his tech savvy, and their combined chemistry, will they risk their hearts and discover the code to their happily ever after?

BUY LINK  https://books2read.com/u/bzdMyj

I enjoy spending time with my family and exploring recipes on the lighter side of southern comfort foods. I’m a member of Heart of Carolina Romance Writers, and I love relaxing on my back porch to read and write. These days I take walks around my neighborhood, but when I was sixteen, I hiked the Grand Canyon with a group of friends. I love watching television dramas (in no special order): Palm Royale, The Buccaneers, The Bear, Emily in Paris, Outlander, Shrinking, Shogun, Outer Banks, Stranger Things, The Crown, and Peaky Blinders and reading a great romance book.

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